Pages

Social Icons

I have no idea why I waited so long to visit Joshua Tree. I had wanted to go for years but didn't end up going until a couple of weeks ago and I already cannot wait to return! We arrived on a late Friday night and quickly settled into our cozy little (actually quite spacious) airstream. We woke up early each mornings to catch the sunrise, made breakfast and sipped coffee, before heading out for our adventures. We did plenty of hiking, climbed a bunch (you can see the rock climbing post here), and discovered so many beautiful things. Joshua Tree National Park is quite large and there are so many different terrains with their own unique features. My favorites were Jumbo Rocks and the Skull Rock area, I felt like I was on a different planet! On our last night, we even saw the most amazing sunset which kept changing colors. It was epic! My photos really don't do Joshua Tree justice, you really have to see it for yourself.

November 13, 2018

I have no idea why I waited so long to visit Joshua Tree. I had wanted to go for years but didn't end up going until a couple of weeks ago and I already cannot wait to return! We arrived on a late Friday night and quickly settled into our cozy little (actually quite spacious) airstream. We woke up early each mornings to catch the sunrise, made breakfast and sipped coffee, before heading out for our adventures. We did plenty of hiking, climbed a bunch (you can see the rock climbing post here), and discovered so many beautiful things. Joshua Tree National Park is quite large and there are so many different terrains with their own unique features. My favorites were Jumbo Rocks and the Skull Rock area, I felt like I was on a different planet! On our last night, we even saw the most amazing sunset which kept changing colors. It was epic! My photos really don't do Joshua Tree justice, you really have to see it for yourself.

Four months ago in July, I had gotten my 15th tattoo of a mountain range on the back of my forearm. Little did I know it was also a foreshadowing of my life two months later when I started rock climbing. I remember the first time I stepped foot into a climbing gym, it was nearly two years ago when my best friend Shirley took me to Dogpatch Boulders back in SF. To be honest, I was a bit intimidated. I didn't even give it a try and immediately gave it the death sentence thinking, "Nah, this isn't for me."

Life works in such a funny way. I met my boyfriend Mark (who is an avid climber) a few months ago and now I am hitting up a Touchstone with him at least once if not twice a week! I remember on our third date he had invited me to join him and his friends out in Malibu Creek State Park. They went out there to climb and thought I would just hike but it ended up being tons of scrambling and I even had to traverse over this water. It was challenging but I did it and they thought I was a natural, and then the rest was history...

Mark started showing me the ropes (pun intended haha) at the gym and I picked up top rope rather quickly. Next thing you know, I was already belaying and crushing some 5.10 (I just did my first 5.10c last week). A couple of weeks ago, we spent a weekend in Joshua Tree (non-climbing related Joshua Tree post coming soon) and did some climbing out there as well. Climbing outdoor is so different than climbing in a gym. It was so challenging and apparently J Tree climbing is especially hard but it was also very fun and rewarding (especially when you get to see the view from the top). Obviously, I am new to all of this and have alot to work on. I have been top roping and not really bouldering so I need to work on that because bouldering is also a whole other story. Baby steps, right? Either way, I am excited about this new found hobby of mine and hope that you will enjoy following my climbing journey here on my blog and over on my Instagram.

November 11, 2018

Four months ago in July, I had gotten my 15th tattoo of a mountain range on the back of my forearm. Little did I know it was also a foreshadowing of my life two months later when I started rock climbing. I remember the first time I stepped foot into a climbing gym, it was nearly two years ago when my best friend Shirley took me to Dogpatch Boulders back in SF. To be honest, I was a bit intimidated. I didn't even give it a try and immediately gave it the death sentence thinking, "Nah, this isn't for me."

Life works in such a funny way. I met my boyfriend Mark (who is an avid climber) a few months ago and now I am hitting up a Touchstone with him at least once if not twice a week! I remember on our third date he had invited me to join him and his friends out in Malibu Creek State Park. They went out there to climb and thought I would just hike but it ended up being tons of scrambling and I even had to traverse over this water. It was challenging but I did it and they thought I was a natural, and then the rest was history...

Mark started showing me the ropes (pun intended haha) at the gym and I picked up top rope rather quickly. Next thing you know, I was already belaying and crushing some 5.10 (I just did my first 5.10c last week). A couple of weeks ago, we spent a weekend in Joshua Tree (non-climbing related Joshua Tree post coming soon) and did some climbing out there as well. Climbing outdoor is so different than climbing in a gym. It was so challenging and apparently J Tree climbing is especially hard but it was also very fun and rewarding (especially when you get to see the view from the top). Obviously, I am new to all of this and have alot to work on. I have been top roping and not really bouldering so I need to work on that because bouldering is also a whole other story. Baby steps, right? Either way, I am excited about this new found hobby of mine and hope that you will enjoy following my climbing journey here on my blog and over on my Instagram.

Thank you Decoy for sponsoring this post. Complete your own tablescapes with Decoy this holiday season.

November is here and you know what that means... Thanksgiving and the Holidays are right around the corner and 'tis the season for gathering! Whether you are celebrating Thanksgiving with family or getting together with friends, popping open a bottle of Decoy wine (or two) is the perfect way to get the soiree started. As part of the Duckhorn Porfolio of wines, Decoy is classic, elevated and tasteful. My two favorites are the Sauvignon Blanc and Pinot Noir, both of which compliments nicely with my favorite cheese plate with truffle brie, sharp cheddar, fresh berries, black mission figs, proscuitto and salami. If you prefer white, the bright and aromatic Sauvignon Blanc is refreshing on the palate with a sweet yet subtle undercurrent of lemon, lime, honeydew and nectarine. If you are a Pinot lover (Pinot is my go-to red wine of choice), you would enjoy the Decoy Pinot Noir with classic aromas of ripe strawberry, cherry and plum, along with subtle hints of cola and clove. Whatever the occasion might be, there is something for everyone!

In previous years, I had always celebrated Thanksgiving with family or a group of friends and as much as I love cooking (I cook at least 3 times a week!) I have never actually made a Turkey! This year, however, I am going to do it!!! First time for everything, right? My boyfriend and I are keeping it low-key and doing Thanksgiving with just the two of us (well, and the pups). Turkey-cooking seems to be some sort of rocket science and the outcome heavily depends on the proper prep work, precise timing and perfect temperature. But hey! If it doesn't turn out as good as I hope, at least we will have some good Decoy wine right? :)

I was selected for this opportunity as a member of CLEVER and the content and opinions expressed here are all my own.

November 5, 2018

Thank you Decoy for sponsoring this post. Complete your own tablescapes with Decoy this holiday season.

November is here and you know what that means... Thanksgiving and the Holidays are right around the corner and 'tis the season for gathering! Whether you are celebrating Thanksgiving with family or getting together with friends, popping open a bottle of Decoy wine (or two) is the perfect way to get the soiree started. As part of the Duckhorn Porfolio of wines, Decoy is classic, elevated and tasteful. My two favorites are the Sauvignon Blanc and Pinot Noir, both of which compliments nicely with my favorite cheese plate with truffle brie, sharp cheddar, fresh berries, black mission figs, proscuitto and salami. If you prefer white, the bright and aromatic Sauvignon Blanc is refreshing on the palate with a sweet yet subtle undercurrent of lemon, lime, honeydew and nectarine. If you are a Pinot lover (Pinot is my go-to red wine of choice), you would enjoy the Decoy Pinot Noir with classic aromas of ripe strawberry, cherry and plum, along with subtle hints of cola and clove. Whatever the occasion might be, there is something for everyone!

In previous years, I had always celebrated Thanksgiving with family or a group of friends and as much as I love cooking (I cook at least 3 times a week!) I have never actually made a Turkey! This year, however, I am going to do it!!! First time for everything, right? My boyfriend and I are keeping it low-key and doing Thanksgiving with just the two of us (well, and the pups). Turkey-cooking seems to be some sort of rocket science and the outcome heavily depends on the proper prep work, precise timing and perfect temperature. But hey! If it doesn't turn out as good as I hope, at least we will have some good Decoy wine right? :)

I was selected for this opportunity as a member of CLEVER and the content and opinions expressed here are all my own.